Airbnb permits: step-by-step process for the most common US cities

Category: Getting Started

By: James Wu

Posted: 2026-01-10T05:36:34.731Z

Getting your STR permit can be a confusing bureaucratic process. Let's create a step-by-step guide for the most common cities people host in. I'll start with my city and I'm hoping others will add theirs. Include: what office to contact, what documents you need, how long it takes, and how much it costs.

Reply by Omar Hassan:

**Nashville, TN — STR Permit Process:** **Step 1: Determine your permit type** - Type 1: Owner-occupied (you live there) - Type 3: Non-owner-occupied (investment property) — CAPPED in most residential zones, check availability first **Step 2: Gather documents** - Property deed or lease (with landlord permission letter for renters) - Government-issued ID - Proof of residency (for Type 1): utility bill or driver's license with property address - Floor plan showing bedrooms and max occupancy - Proof of insurance ($1M liability minimum) - Fire inspection certification **Step 3: Apply** - Online: Nashville.gov → Short-Term Rental Property Permit application - Application fee: $313 **Step 4: Inspections** - Fire inspection scheduled after application ($100 fee) - Building inspection may be required - Timeline: 2-6 weeks from application to inspection **Step 5: Approval** - Approval email with permit certificate - Display permit number in your listing - Total timeline: 4-8 weeks - Annual renewal: $313 + re-inspection **Pro tips:** - Apply BEFORE you start hosting. Operating without a permit = $50/day fine - The fire inspection is the bottleneck — schedule ASAP - Keep a copy of your permit in the rental property - Nashville actively enforces. They scrape Airbnb listings and cross-reference with permits. Need help organizing your property documentation? The blog at https://strspecialist.com/blog has guides on compliance documentation.

Reply by Nolan Peters:

**Austin, TX — STR License Process:** **Step 1: Check eligibility** - Type 1 (owner-occupied): Available citywide - Type 2 (non-owner-occupied): RESTRICTED by zone — check Austin's interactive STR map first - Type 3 (multifamily): Available with conditions **Step 2: Gather documents** - State-issued ID - Proof of ownership or lease (with owner permission for Type 2/3) - Insurance certificate ($500K minimum liability) - Letter of authorization if applying through a PM company - Completed Occupancy Tax Registration **Step 3: Apply online** - Austin Build + Connect portal (austin.gov) - Application fee: $235 (Type 1) or $435 (Type 2) **Step 4: Inspections** - Safety inspection within 30 days - Inspectors check: smoke alarms, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, handrails, pool barriers - Inspection fee included in application **Step 5: Ongoing compliance** - Post permit number in all listings - Collect and remit 9% HOT (unless platform collects automatically) - File quarterly HOT returns - Renew annually: same fee as initial application **Timeline:** 3-6 weeks total **Total first-year cost:** $235-435 (permit) + insurance (~$800-1,200/year) Key risk: Austin has been steadily reducing Type 2 availability. Buy with caution — your STR rights could be restricted at next permit renewal.